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About the Stigma Index

The People Living with HIV Stigma Index provides a tool that measures and detects changing trends in relation to stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV. In the initiative, the process is just as important as the product. It aims to address stigma relating to HIV while also advocating on the key barriers and issues perpetuating stigma - a key obstacle to HIV treatment, prevention, care and support.

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In Mozambique PLHIV are helping themselves (2012)

9 Aug 2013

The National Network of Associations of People Living with HIV / AIDS (RENSIDA)was in charge of the implementation of the study in Mozambique, with the technical support group CESO CI and direct supervision by the Steering Committee, constituted for the purpose and represented by members of UNAIDS in Mozambique and the University Eduardo Mondlane.

A special feature of this methodology lies in the fact that the interviewers were PLHIV placing them at the centre of the process and fostering a truly participatory and empowering spirit.

Data were collected through interviews conducted in five provinces of Mozambique: Maputo, Gaza, Manica, Sofala and Nampula. Respondents were randomly selected from PLHIV associations or linked to RENSIDA and its member associations. In total 741 questionnaires were validated and included in this study, having sought equal representation of women and men and residents in rural and urban areas.

A significant finding was the support base that exists among PLHIV - about 70% of the respondents having allegedly initiated some action in order to help someone in the same situation - especially through emotional support. The most cited situations included eviction cases and isolation from family, alienation of neighbours and others, support when sick, verbal insults recurring situations, associations of witchcraft, cases of scorn and discrimination because of appearance and prejudice.